R.N. reentry course's Atlanta

Hello, I am thinking of starting the Kennesaw (Wellstar) RN reentry course in Atlanta. Does anyone have experience with this program?? I have not practiced since 1985, but had extensive critical care, cath lab and CCU experience. I then went into a sales job in medical devices. Time to return to Nursing. Thanks

Hello, I am thinking of starting the Kennesaw (Wellstar) RN reentry course in Atlanta. Does anyone have experience with this program?? I have not practiced since 1985, but had extensive critical care, cath lab and CCU experience. I then went into a sales job in medical devices. Time to return to Nursing. Thanks

I have a friend who did it, and she said it was great. She did the clinical hours in the ER at Northside and then was hired there FT. Good luck!

Jul 31, '08

Disneyfan, thanks so much for your response. I spoke to someone today who did it some years ago, and had to do all clinical at Kennesaw, then Piedmont didn't seem to want to hire her. I have emailed and asked about current clinical alliances with Piedmont and other intown hospitals. Still thinking I will do it, the hosp. is just down the street and I loved working there years ago. Thanks again.

Disneyfan, thanks so much for your response. I spoke to someone today who did it some years ago, and had to do all clinical at Kennesaw, then Piedmont didn't seem to want to hire her. I have emailed and asked about current clinical alliances with Piedmont and other intown hospitals. Still thinking I will do it, the hosp. is just down the street and I loved working there years ago. Thanks again.

Is your license still current? If so, does Piedmont have any Nurse Intern (NG) programs? I am starting back at Northside on Monday in the NICU after being out 8 years. I interviewed for their Intern program and was hired. I do not have to do the formal "re-entry" program through KSU, and I earn my full RN salary! They said it would work since the program is 16 weeks of clinical and 92 hours of classroom. Worth a shot! It's saving me a ton of $$ and time. Good luck!

Jul 31, '08

Disneyfan,
No, I have been out too long, so think going thru the refresher is the best for me. Thanks again.

Jul 31, '08

I just did the March on-line program at KSU. There would be no easy commute from where I live to Kennesaw, so I was grateful for this option. After the theory on-line or on-site, you will have 160 hours of clinical. Some of the folks in my class were not happy with the commuting distance for that. KSU seems to have difficulty finding sufficient preceptors for the students. I am told some facilities pay staff a bit more to precept, which seems like an excellent idea.

You will find yourself in good company--one of the more inspiring students in my class had been out for over 30 years! She is doing great with multiple job offers since finishing her clinical.

Jul 31, '08

Thanks NorthGa. gal, where are you??
So where did you do your clinical???

Jul 31, '08

I'm in Forsyth County and was fortunate enough to get my first choice of a clinical placement at an inpatient hospice near home.

Jul 31, '08

Awesome, congrats. Thanks for your input.

Feb 15, '09

Hi deedledumpling. Did you do the program? Did you get a job?

Feb 15, '09

KeithMock, Yes I have just completed the reentry program and have probably secured a job. Will know soon. I would heartily recommend the program.:spin:

Feb 16, '09

FANTASTIC! Where did you do your clinical? I am on the East side of Atlanta, Lilburn-Lawrenceville area. I have a call in to Ms. Brannen to find out if she can help me get my clinical site at one of the local hospitals. I like Emory Eastside or GMC but Dekalb Medical would be great as well.

Did the site where you did your clinical offer you a job? If this is all to personal please feel free to send me a Private Message. I appreciate your sharing with us, it is helping me a lot.

I sent an email this morning to the Director of the Center to Champion Nursing in America to let her know that the nursing shortage is over. At least from what I can tell it is. None of the hospitals in Atlanta seem to worried about their ability to hire nurses and appear to be totally cold to nurses that have been out of clinical practice for more than 3 years. I guess it is to easy to hire RNs these days.

But, I will keep moving forward and stories such as yours is very motivational! Thanks. KM :spin:

Last edit by jb2u on Feb 24, '09
: Reason: Removed Director's name and email address

Feb 24, '09

I thought I would post my reply to someone asking me about the KSU program. Deedledumpling was a very positive influence in getting me to move forward and I hope to share this in an attempt to help others. You don't know who you might touch at a low point in their life but you will be deeply rewarded for doing so.

Hi *****. I have been conversing by email with a woman that just recently finished the last class. In fact it was last week. She actually got a job in CVICU which I thought was outstanding as I have been told that even after I have finished a refresher no facility will hire me for any ICU and probably not telemetry either. She spoke very positive about the program. I spoke to Ms. Brennan who is in charge of placment for clinical. Even though she told me right up front she could not guarantee me placement in the facility of my choice, especially since I live on the East side of Atlanta, she told me with hgh confidence she would get me placed some where to do my clinical. And of course the underlying premise is that whereever I do my clinical will want to hire me since it costs them money to train me. I was highly encouraged by that conversation.

So, I completed the application and paid my $250 deposit. I met the program coordinator, Ms. Reda. She is a charming lady with an infectious smile. Unfortunately, the online class is full for March. They can put you on the waiting list but it does not look very promising that slots will open up. Demand is high due to the economy. The May class will fill quickly I am afraid so if you even possibly think you will do it then apply today would be my advice. I regret not applying sooner and getting into the March class. I thought Emory was going to hire me and put me in their class because they have so many openings. I was wrong, they have very limited openings and will only place a few, a very small few. I am still in the running per the program coordinator but I am not taking a chance.

I bought the Brunner's set at KSU. It is a better price than online. The drug calculation book is cheaper as well. I spend half a day now looking for a job, the other half studying. I take time to exercise as I know the clinical environment will be more physical and I need to get into great shape. The young lady I spoke to said you really need to shine during clinical so I want to have a lot of energy and enduradnce. I put on my application that I wanted to do my clinical on the 7 p to 7 am shift.

Hope that helped. So why are you wanting to return? What have you been doing while away from Nursing?

Stay in touch, I would love to hear more from you and especially that you are joining the May class.